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A leading internet media firm’s research team has found Britons are deserting former holiday hotspots in North Africa in favour of safer European ones. The TravelZoo survey reveals that UK holidaymakers are shunning Egypt and Tunisia when planning or booking their 2016 vacations.

These countries had risen in popularity in recent years as they offered very good value for money. As a result of terrorist attacks in both countries which claimed the lives of dozens of holidaymakers last year, Britons seem to be deciding that safety is more important than saving money.

The TravelZoo study indicates that UK holidaymakers are once again choosing Spain and its exotic mix of beautiful beaches, unique cuisine and sangria. Greece and Portugal are fast emerging as the alternate choices for holidays as they have also received an unprecedented number of bookings.

The researchers found 30 per cent of Britons now consider how safe a destination is before making reservations. Travel agents across the UK say bookings for Spanish, Greek and Portuguese holidays spiked in January and if current trends continue they expect to sell all their package deals over the next few weeks.

Travelzoo spokesperson Louise Hodges noted that the Tunisian and Egyptian terror attacks last summer had forced British holidaymakers to reassess their priorities. She explained that the company had never seen this kind of group change before.

She finished off by saying Travelzoo expected European holidays to be the preferred choice for the foreseeable future. The survey gels with the UK Foreign Office’s advice last November. This stated that despite the ongoing issue with immigrants from North Africa and the Middle East, Europe was not a dangerous place to be.